Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An electronic kiosk terminal comprising: a processor; a memory configured to store data and instructions where the instructions when executed by the processor generate features and functions of the terminal; a display adapted to display both graphical and textual information on a display surface; a touch input device proximate to the display surface of the display where the touch input device is adapted to generate a plurality of touch location data when the surface of the touch input device is touched where each of the plurality of touch location data includes a location on the touch input device being contacted as the touch moves across the touch input device; and a touch identification module adapted to receive the plurality of touch location data for a touch from the touch input device and to determine from the touch location data characteristics of the touch including the location of the touch, duration of the touch, distance the touch moved, direction of movement and speed of movement and to determine a context for the touch and is further adapted to determine, using at least one characteristic of the touch and the context for the touch, that the touch represents a request to perform a first function provided by the terminal, and wherein the first function is changed to a different function that is performed when a different characteristic associated with the touch identifies a level of confidence for a user operating the terminal that necessitates the different function on behalf of the user, and wherein the first function and the different function have different settings that the touch identification module is configured to process to determine whether to ignore different touches as being accidental touches, and wherein the first function voids an item depicted within the context when a continuous touch within the context over an area of the display where information for the item is being displayed and that moves in an upward or downward direction over the area while moving from a right or a left direction over the area and is released within the context and in response thereto the first function draws two horizontal lines through the information on the display indicating that the item has been voided, and wherein the first function causes displaying of item information when the touch is made on a description field for the item by displaying a descriptive name for the item, size and package information for the item, an ingredient list for the item, warnings for the item, and calorie information for the item, and wherein the first function permits a window that displays the item information to be custom moved from an initial location to a different location when the touch is maintained within the window and moved to the different location of the display with release of the touch at the different location, and wherein the first function permits scrolling of displayed items in an item touch area when the touch is made in the item touch area, maintains contact and is moved upward or downward.
An electronic kiosk terminal includes a processor, memory, and a display with an integrated touch input device. The touch input device generates touch location data as a user interacts with the display, capturing details such as touch location, duration, movement distance, direction, and speed. A touch identification module analyzes these characteristics to determine the context of the touch and interpret user intent. The terminal performs different functions based on touch characteristics, adjusting settings to distinguish intentional touches from accidental ones. For example, a continuous touch moving upward or downward while transitioning from left to right or right to left over an item's display area voids the item, visually marked by two horizontal lines. Touching an item's description field displays detailed information, including name, size, package details, ingredients, warnings, and calorie data. The displayed information window can be repositioned by dragging it to a new location. Additionally, the terminal supports scrolling through items in a designated touch area by maintaining contact and moving upward or downward. The system dynamically adapts functionality based on user behavior, ensuring appropriate responses to different interaction patterns.
2. The terminal of claim 1 , where the characteristics of the touch are grouped into a primary or secondary set of touch characteristics.
A system for touch-based user interaction involves a terminal that processes touch inputs by analyzing their characteristics to determine user intent. The terminal categorizes touch characteristics into primary and secondary sets. Primary characteristics may include fundamental attributes such as touch location, pressure, and duration, which directly influence the system's response. Secondary characteristics, such as touch speed or multi-touch patterns, provide additional context but may not trigger an immediate action. By distinguishing between these sets, the terminal can prioritize processing and improve responsiveness. The system may also adjust sensitivity or functionality based on the detected characteristics, enhancing user experience. This approach allows for more nuanced touch interpretation, reducing misinterpretations and improving accuracy in touch-based commands. The terminal may further adapt its behavior dynamically, such as switching between primary and secondary processing modes based on user preferences or environmental conditions. The invention aims to optimize touch interaction by efficiently categorizing and processing touch data, ensuring reliable and intuitive user control.
3. The terminal of claim 2 , where the primary characteristics of the touch include a starting point and direction of the touch.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to touch-sensitive terminals, specifically those designed to detect and interpret touch inputs with enhanced precision. The primary problem addressed is the need for terminals to accurately capture and process the dynamic characteristics of touch interactions, such as the starting point and direction of a touch gesture. Many existing touch-sensitive devices struggle to reliably distinguish between different touch patterns, leading to misinterpretation of user intent. The terminal includes a touch-sensitive surface configured to detect touch inputs. The key innovation lies in its ability to analyze the primary characteristics of a touch, including the starting point where the touch is initially made and the direction in which the touch moves across the surface. By capturing these attributes, the terminal can more accurately interpret gestures, such as swipes, drags, or multi-touch interactions, improving responsiveness and reducing errors in command execution. The terminal may also include additional features, such as a display or processing unit, to further enhance touch-based interactions. This technology is particularly useful in devices like smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays where precise touch recognition is critical for user experience. The invention aims to provide a more intuitive and reliable touch interface by leveraging detailed touch data to better understand and respond to user inputs.
4. The terminal of claim 2 , where the secondary characteristics of the touch include the velocity of the touch.
A touch-sensitive terminal is designed to detect and analyze touch interactions on a display surface. The terminal includes a touch-sensitive layer that captures primary touch characteristics such as touch location, pressure, and duration. Additionally, the terminal processes secondary characteristics of the touch, specifically the velocity of the touch, to enhance interaction accuracy and responsiveness. The velocity is derived from the rate of change in touch position over time, allowing the terminal to distinguish between different types of touch gestures, such as swipes, taps, or drags. By incorporating velocity data, the terminal can improve gesture recognition, reduce false inputs, and enable more intuitive user interactions. The system may also include a processing unit that interprets the combined primary and secondary touch characteristics to execute corresponding commands or actions. This approach enhances the precision and efficiency of touch-based interfaces in devices like smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays.
5. The terminal of claim 3 , where only primary characteristics of the touch are used to determine that the touch represents a request to perform the first function.
A system and method for touch-based user interaction in electronic devices, particularly for distinguishing between different types of touch inputs to trigger specific functions. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately interpreting user intent from touch inputs, where multiple functions may be associated with similar touch gestures. The invention focuses on using only primary characteristics of a touch, such as duration, pressure, or location, to determine whether the touch represents a request to perform a specific function, such as launching an application or executing a command. By relying on primary characteristics, the system avoids unnecessary processing of secondary or less relevant touch data, improving efficiency and reducing computational overhead. The method ensures that the touch input is processed in a manner that minimizes ambiguity, ensuring the intended function is executed without requiring complex or redundant touch analysis. This approach enhances user experience by providing faster and more reliable touch-based interactions in devices like smartphones, tablets, and other touch-sensitive interfaces. The system may also include additional features, such as filtering out unintended touches or adapting touch sensitivity based on user preferences or environmental conditions. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where quick and accurate touch recognition is critical, such as in gaming, navigation, or productivity applications.
6. The terminal of claim 5 , where the first function is performed by the terminal in response to the touch.
A terminal device is designed to enhance user interaction by performing specific functions in response to touch inputs. The device includes a touch-sensitive display that detects touch events and processes them to trigger predefined actions. The terminal is configured to execute a first function when a touch input is detected, such as launching an application, adjusting settings, or navigating through a user interface. The touch-sensitive display may also support multi-touch gestures, allowing for more complex interactions like zooming, panning, or selecting multiple items simultaneously. The terminal may further include additional input methods, such as physical buttons or voice commands, to complement the touch-based functionality. The device is optimized for responsiveness, ensuring that touch inputs are registered accurately and actions are executed with minimal delay. This design improves usability by providing intuitive and efficient control over the terminal's operations, particularly in applications requiring frequent touch interactions, such as mobile devices, tablets, or interactive kiosks. The terminal may also incorporate haptic feedback to confirm touch inputs, enhancing the user experience by providing tactile responses. The system ensures seamless integration of touch-based controls with other input methods, allowing users to interact with the device in a manner that suits their preferences.
7. The terminal of claim 6 , where performing the first function includes displaying on the display different initial responses which are determined by secondary characteristics of the touch.
This invention relates to a terminal device with an improved touch-based user interface, specifically addressing the challenge of providing more intuitive and context-aware responses to user touch inputs. The terminal includes a display and a touch-sensitive surface that detects primary touch characteristics such as position, pressure, and duration. The device further analyzes secondary touch characteristics, such as touch trajectory, speed, or multi-touch patterns, to determine the user's intent. Based on these secondary characteristics, the terminal displays different initial responses on the display, allowing for more dynamic and personalized interactions. For example, a quick swipe gesture might trigger a different response than a slow, deliberate touch, even if both inputs occur at the same location. The terminal may also adjust the displayed responses based on user preferences, historical usage data, or application context. This approach enhances usability by reducing the need for multiple touch interactions to achieve a desired outcome, improving efficiency and user satisfaction. The invention is particularly useful in mobile devices, tablets, and other touchscreen-equipped terminals where screen real estate is limited and rapid, accurate input interpretation is critical.
8. The terminal of claim 4 , where the touch identification module is further adapted to determine the level of confidence for the request to perform the first function using secondary characteristics of the touch.
This invention relates to touch-based user interfaces in electronic terminals, specifically improving the accuracy and reliability of touch-based function execution. The problem addressed is the potential for unintended or erroneous activation of functions due to ambiguous or uncertain touch inputs. The solution involves a terminal with a touch identification module that analyzes not only primary touch characteristics (e.g., position, duration) but also secondary characteristics (e.g., pressure, speed, area) to determine the confidence level of a touch-based function request. The module uses these secondary characteristics to assess whether the touch input is likely intentional or accidental, thereby reducing false activations. The terminal may include a display and a touch-sensitive surface, where the touch identification module processes touch data to distinguish between different types of touch interactions. The confidence level determination allows the terminal to either execute the requested function, request additional confirmation, or ignore the input entirely based on the calculated confidence. This approach enhances user experience by minimizing unintended actions while maintaining responsiveness to valid inputs. The invention is particularly useful in portable devices where accidental touches are common, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.
9. The terminal of claim 8 , where the touch identification module is further adapted to determine a level of help for the touch using the determined level of confidence.
This invention relates to touch-sensitive terminals, specifically improving user interaction by dynamically adjusting assistance based on touch input confidence. The problem addressed is the lack of adaptive feedback in touch interfaces, which can frustrate users when inputs are ambiguous or uncertain. The terminal includes a touch identification module that analyzes touch inputs to determine a confidence level, indicating how reliably the system can interpret the user's intent. The module then adjusts the level of assistance provided to the user based on this confidence. For example, if the confidence is low, the system may offer more guidance, such as highlighting possible actions or requesting confirmation. If the confidence is high, the system may proceed with minimal intervention. This adaptive approach enhances usability by tailoring the interface's responsiveness to the user's needs in real time. The invention may also include additional features like touch pattern recognition, multi-touch support, and contextual assistance, all contributing to a more intuitive and efficient user experience. The core innovation lies in dynamically linking touch confidence assessment with adaptive assistance, creating a more responsive and user-friendly interface.
10. The terminal of claim 9 , where the touch identification module determines a level of help for each touch made to the touch input device.
This invention relates to a terminal device with an enhanced touch input system designed to improve user interaction by dynamically assessing and responding to touch inputs. The terminal includes a touch identification module that analyzes touch characteristics such as pressure, duration, and location to determine the appropriate level of assistance or response required for each touch. The system categorizes touches into different levels of help, allowing the terminal to adapt its behavior based on the user's input. For example, a light or brief touch may trigger a minimal response, while a firm or prolonged touch may prompt a more detailed or guided interaction. The touch identification module may also integrate with other system components, such as a display or processing unit, to ensure seamless and context-aware responses. This adaptive approach enhances usability by reducing errors and improving efficiency in touch-based interactions, particularly in devices where precise input is challenging, such as mobile or wearable devices. The invention aims to provide a more intuitive and responsive touch interface by dynamically adjusting system behavior based on the user's touch patterns.
11. The terminal of claim 10 , where performing the first function includes displaying on the display different initial responses determined by the level of help for the touch.
This invention relates to a terminal device with a touch-sensitive display that provides adaptive assistance based on user interaction. The problem addressed is the lack of intuitive guidance for users when interacting with touch interfaces, particularly when performing complex or unfamiliar tasks. The terminal includes a touch-sensitive display and a processor configured to detect touch inputs and determine a level of help required based on the touch characteristics, such as duration, pressure, or location. The processor then performs a first function by displaying different initial responses on the display, tailored to the detected level of help. For example, a brief touch may trigger a simple response, while a prolonged or forceful touch may invoke more detailed guidance. The terminal may also perform a second function, such as executing a command or navigating to a different interface, based on the touch input and the displayed response. The system dynamically adjusts the assistance level to improve user experience and efficiency. The invention aims to reduce user frustration and errors by providing context-aware feedback through the touch interface.
12. The terminal of claim 1 , where the context of the touch includes data about the graphical and textual information being displayed on the display surface under or proximate to the touch.
A system and method for enhancing touch input processing on a touch-sensitive display device. The device includes a display surface and a touch sensor configured to detect touch inputs on the display surface. The system analyzes the context of a touch input, including data about the graphical and textual information displayed on the display surface at or near the touch location. This contextual data is used to improve the accuracy and functionality of touch-based interactions. For example, the system may distinguish between different types of touch inputs (e.g., taps, swipes, or holds) based on the displayed content, enabling more precise and context-aware responses. The system may also adjust touch sensitivity or interpret touch gestures differently depending on the displayed content, such as differentiating between a touch on a button versus a touch on a text field. This approach improves user experience by reducing misinterpretations of touch inputs and providing more intuitive interactions. The system may further integrate with applications to dynamically adapt touch behavior based on real-time content changes.
13. The terminal of claim 12 , where performing the first function includes displaying different responses that correspond to different graphical and textual information being displayed under or proximate to the first touch.
This invention relates to a terminal device with an improved touch interface for displaying contextual information. The problem addressed is the lack of intuitive and dynamic feedback when a user interacts with a touchscreen, particularly in distinguishing between different types of touch inputs and their associated responses. The terminal includes a touch-sensitive display configured to detect a first touch input at a specific location. In response to this touch, the terminal performs a first function that involves displaying different visual responses based on the type of graphical or textual information located under or near the touch point. For example, if the touch is over a button, the response might include highlighting the button and displaying a tooltip. If the touch is over a text field, the response might include expanding the field or showing a keyboard. The terminal also supports a second touch input, which may involve a different gesture (e.g., a swipe or long press) and triggers a second function, such as opening a menu or executing a command. The system dynamically adjusts the displayed responses based on the content and context of the touch location, enhancing user interaction by providing immediate and relevant feedback. This improves usability by reducing ambiguity in touch interactions and ensuring that the terminal's response aligns with the user's intent.
14. A user interface method implemented on an electronic kiosk terminal by a processor in the terminal, the method comprising: displaying information about one or more items on a display located on the kiosk terminal; receiving touch position data from a touch input device proximate to the display where the touch position data includes data identifying a plurality of locations on the touch input device that were touched; processing only the touch position data to determine behavior characteristics for the touch where the behavior characteristics including a starting location, path traveled, length of path, direction of path and velocity of movement and where the behavior characteristics are classified as primary or secondary behavior characteristics; determining a context of the touch using one or more behavior characteristics of the touch where determining the context includes determine the information being displayed on the display in the area under or proximate to the touch; mapping the touch, using the context and one or more of the primary behavior characteristics, to one of a plurality of functions provided by the user interface; and implementing the mapped function, and changing the mapped function to a different one of the plurality of functions when a different characteristic associated with the touch indicates a level of confidence for a user operating the terminal that necessitates the different one of the plurality of functions on behalf of the user, and wherein implementing further includes processing different settings for the mapped function and the plurality of functions for determining when to ignore different touches as being accidental touches, and voiding a particular item presented within the display in response to implementing the mapped function when the touch position data indicates a particular movement over the area of the display where the information for the item is being displayed and that is in an upward or a downward direction over the area and is made in a right or left direction over the area and is released within the context of the particular item presented within the display and in response thereto the mapped function draws two horizontal lines through the information on the display indicating that the particular item has been voided, and displaying a descriptive name for the first item, size and package information for the item, an ingredient list for the item, warnings for the item, and calorie information for the item in response to implementing the mapped function when the touch position data identifies a selection of an item description field for the item, and moving a window that displays the information for the item to be custom moved from an initial location to a different location when the touch position data is maintained within the window and moved to the different location of the display with a release of the touch position data at the different location, and scrolling displayed items in an item touch area when the touch position data is made in the item touch area, maintains contact, and is moved upward or downward.
This invention relates to an interactive user interface system for electronic kiosk terminals, designed to enhance touch-based interactions by analyzing touch behavior to determine user intent and context. The system processes touch input data, including starting location, path, length, direction, and velocity, to classify touches as primary or secondary behaviors. It determines the context of each touch by identifying displayed content under or near the touch location. Based on this analysis, the system maps the touch to a specific function, such as voiding an item, displaying detailed product information, or scrolling through items. The system dynamically adjusts the mapped function if touch characteristics indicate low user confidence, ensuring intuitive operation. For example, a specific touch gesture—such as an upward, downward, left, or right movement followed by release—can void an item, visually marked by horizontal lines. Selecting an item description field displays detailed information like name, size, ingredients, warnings, and calories. The system also allows users to drag and reposition information windows and scroll through items by maintaining touch contact and moving upward or downward. Additionally, it includes settings to filter accidental touches, improving usability. The invention aims to provide a more responsive and context-aware touch interface for kiosk terminals.
15. The method of claim 14 , where the primary behavior characteristics of the touch include the starting location and direction of path.
A system and method for analyzing touch interactions on a touch-sensitive surface to determine user intent. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately interpreting touch gestures, particularly in distinguishing between intentional actions and accidental inputs. The method involves capturing touch data from a touch-sensitive surface, such as a touchscreen or touchpad, and analyzing the primary behavior characteristics of the touch, including the starting location and the direction of the touch path. By evaluating these characteristics, the system can differentiate between deliberate gestures and unintended touches, improving the accuracy of touch-based interfaces. The method may also include additional steps such as filtering noise from the touch data, comparing the touch characteristics to predefined gesture patterns, and executing a corresponding action based on the analysis. This approach enhances user experience by reducing false positives and ensuring that only intended gestures trigger responses. The system can be applied in various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and interactive displays, to improve gesture recognition and input accuracy.
16. The method of claim 15 , where the secondary behavior characteristics of the touch include the velocity of movement.
A system and method for analyzing touch interactions on a touch-sensitive surface to determine secondary behavior characteristics, such as the velocity of movement. The invention addresses the need for more nuanced touch input interpretation beyond basic touch detection, enabling devices to distinguish between intentional and accidental inputs based on dynamic touch properties. The method involves capturing touch data from a touch-sensitive surface, processing the data to extract secondary behavior characteristics like velocity, acceleration, or pressure, and using these characteristics to refine input recognition. For example, a touch with high velocity may be classified as a swipe gesture, while a slower touch may be interpreted as a tap. The system may also compare the extracted characteristics against predefined thresholds or patterns to determine the intended action. This approach enhances touch interface accuracy, reducing misinterpretations and improving user experience in devices like smartphones, tablets, and touchscreens. The method can be applied to various touch-sensitive technologies, including capacitive, resistive, and optical touch sensors. By analyzing secondary behavior characteristics, the invention enables more sophisticated touch-based interactions, such as distinguishing between different gesture types or adapting responses based on touch dynamics.
17. The method of claim 16 , where implementing the mapped function includes displaying on the display different initial responses which are determined by the secondary behavior characteristics of the touch.
A system and method for enhancing touch-based interactions in electronic devices addresses the challenge of providing more intuitive and context-aware responses to user inputs. The invention focuses on improving the way devices interpret and respond to touch gestures, particularly by analyzing secondary behavior characteristics of the touch, such as pressure, duration, or movement patterns, to generate differentiated initial responses. These responses are displayed on the device's display, allowing users to interact with the system in a more natural and adaptive manner. The method involves mapping touch inputs to specific functions based on these secondary characteristics, ensuring that the device's output aligns with the user's intended action. By dynamically adjusting responses based on subtle variations in touch behavior, the system enhances user experience by reducing ambiguity and increasing responsiveness. This approach is particularly useful in applications where precise control or nuanced input interpretation is required, such as graphic design, gaming, or accessibility features. The invention leverages advanced touch-sensing technologies to capture and process these secondary characteristics, enabling more sophisticated interactions beyond traditional touch-based commands.
18. The method of claim 14 , further including determining a level of help for the touch using the behavior characteristics to determine the level of confidence for the touch.
A system and method for touch input analysis and assistance in electronic devices, particularly for users with motor impairments or difficulty in precise touch interactions. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately interpreting touch inputs when users may struggle with consistent or precise touch gestures, leading to errors or misinterpretations by the device. The method involves capturing touch input data from a touch-sensitive surface, such as a touchscreen or touchpad, and analyzing the behavior characteristics of the touch, including factors like touch duration, pressure, movement patterns, and spatial accuracy. These characteristics are used to assess the user's intent and determine the level of assistance required. The system may then adjust the touch interpretation or provide adaptive feedback, such as visual or haptic cues, to guide the user toward more accurate input. The method further includes determining a confidence level for the touch input based on the analyzed behavior characteristics, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its response to improve usability. This approach enhances accessibility by accommodating varying levels of motor control and touch precision, ensuring more reliable and user-friendly interactions with touch-based interfaces.
19. The method of claim 18 , where implementing the mapped function includes displaying on the display different initial responses based on the determined level of help for the touch.
This invention relates to user interface systems that adaptively respond to touch inputs based on user behavior. The problem addressed is the lack of personalized or context-aware feedback in touch-based interfaces, which can lead to inefficient interactions or user frustration. The system analyzes touch input characteristics, such as duration, pressure, or location, to determine a user's intent or level of familiarity with the interface. Based on this analysis, the system dynamically adjusts the interface's response, such as providing more detailed guidance for novice users or streamlined interactions for experienced users. The system includes a touch-sensitive display that captures input data, a processing unit that evaluates the input to determine the appropriate level of assistance, and a display controller that generates tailored responses. For example, if a user applies a prolonged or hesitant touch, the system may display additional instructional prompts or simplified options. Conversely, for confident or rapid touches, the system may skip introductory steps or provide advanced features. The adaptive response mechanism ensures that the interface remains intuitive and efficient for users of varying skill levels. This approach improves usability by reducing cognitive load and minimizing unnecessary steps, particularly in applications like mobile devices, kiosks, or industrial control panels where touch interfaces are prevalent.
20. The method of claim 14 , where behavior characteristics for the touch includes identifying a single or double touch to the display that does not involve substantial movement of the touch.
This invention relates to touch-sensitive display systems and methods for detecting and interpreting touch behavior characteristics. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately distinguishing between different types of touch interactions, particularly those involving minimal or no movement, to improve user input recognition and system responsiveness. The method involves analyzing touch behavior characteristics on a display to identify specific touch patterns. A key aspect is the ability to detect whether a touch is a single or double touch, even when the touch does not involve substantial movement. This allows the system to differentiate between intentional touch inputs, such as taps or presses, and unintentional or accidental touches, enhancing the accuracy of touch-based commands. The method may also include additional touch behavior analysis, such as determining touch duration, pressure, or area, to further refine input interpretation. By processing these characteristics, the system can better distinguish between different types of touch interactions, such as a single tap versus a double tap, even when the touch remains relatively stationary. This improves the reliability of touch-based interfaces in applications like mobile devices, tablets, and interactive displays. The invention ensures that touch inputs are accurately interpreted, reducing errors and improving user experience.
21. The method of claim 14 , wherein: displaying information includes displaying a name for each of the one or more items; determining the context includes determining that the name for a first item of the one or more items is being displayed on the display in the area under or proximate to the touch; determining the behavior characteristics includes determining that a single touch occurred; and mapping the touch to a function includes mapping the touch to a function that displays additional information about the first item.
This invention relates to touch-based user interfaces for displaying and interacting with items on a display screen. The problem addressed is improving the efficiency and intuitiveness of touch interactions by dynamically mapping touch inputs to context-aware functions based on the displayed content and touch behavior. The method involves displaying one or more items on a screen, each with a visible name. When a touch input is detected, the system determines the context by identifying which item's name is being displayed in the area under or near the touch location. The system also analyzes the touch behavior, specifically whether a single touch occurred. Based on this context and behavior, the touch is mapped to a function that retrieves and displays additional information about the item associated with the touched name. This approach allows users to quickly access detailed information about an item with minimal interaction, enhancing usability in applications such as lists, menus, or data tables. The method ensures that the displayed information is relevant to the touched item, reducing ambiguity and improving user experience.
22. A system comprising: a computer data network; a computer server connected to the network; and an electronic kiosk terminal, in a generally fixed location, connected to the network and operable to communication with the computer server using the network, the electronic kiosk terminal comprising: a processor; a network communication controller operable to communicate with the network; a memory configured to store data and instructions where the instructions when executed by the processor generate the features and functions of the terminal; a display adapted to display both graphical and textual information on a display surface; a touch input device proximate to the display surface of the display where the touch input device is adapted to generate a plurality of touch location data when the surface of the touch input device is touched where each of the plurality of touch location data includes a location on the touch input device being contacted as the touch moves across the touch input device; and a touch identification module adapted to receive the plurality of touch location data for a touch from the touch input device and to determine from the touch location data characteristics of the touch including the location of the touch, duration of the touch, distance the touch moved, direction of movement and speed of movement and to determine a context for the touch and is further adapted to determine, using at least one characteristic of the touch and the context for the touch, that the touch represents a request to perform a first function provided by the terminal, and wherein the first function is changed to a different function that is performed when a different characteristic associated with the touch identifies a level of confidence for a user operating the terminal that necessitates the different function on behalf of the user, and wherein the first function and the different function have different settings that the touch identification module is configured to process to determine whether to ignore different touches as being accidental touches, and wherein the first function voids an item depicted within the context when a continuous touch within the context over an area of the display where information for the item is being displayed and moves in an upward or downward direction over the area while moving from a right or a left direction over the area and is released within the context and in response thereto the first function draws two horizontal lines through the information on the display indicating that the item has been voided, and wherein the first function displays a descriptive name for the item, size and package information for the item, an ingredient list for the item, warnings for the item, and calorie information for the item when touch position data identifies a selection on a description field for the item, and wherein the first function permits a window that displays the information for the item to be custom moved from an initial location to a different location when the touch position data is maintained within the window and custom moved to the different location of the display with a release of the touch position data, and wherein the first function permits scrolling of displayed items in an item touch area when the touch position data is made in the item touch area that maintains contact while moving upward or downward.
The system involves a computer network with a server and an electronic kiosk terminal in a fixed location, enabling communication between the server and the terminal. The kiosk includes a processor, memory, display, and a touch input device that tracks touch location data, including touch position, duration, movement distance, direction, and speed. A touch identification module analyzes these characteristics to determine the context of the touch and identify user intent. The system adapts the terminal's functionality based on touch characteristics, adjusting the level of confidence required for different functions. For example, a continuous touch moving upward or downward while transitioning from left or right over an item's display area voids the item, marking it with two horizontal lines. The terminal also displays detailed item information—such as name, size, package details, ingredients, warnings, and calorie data—when a touch selects a description field. Users can move the item information window by maintaining touch contact and dragging it to a new location. Additionally, the system allows scrolling through displayed items in a designated touch area by maintaining contact while moving upward or downward. The touch identification module differentiates between intentional and accidental touches, adjusting sensitivity based on user behavior.
23. A non-transitory computer hardware storage medium comprising instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to: display information about one or more items on a display; receive touch position data from a touch input device proximate to the display where the touch position data includes data identifying a plurality of locations on the touch input device that were touched as the touch moved across the touch input device; process only the touch position data to determine behavior characteristics for the touch where the behavior characteristics including a starting location, path traveled, length of path, direction of path and velocity of movement and where the behavior characteristics are classified as primary or secondary behavior characteristics; determine a context of the touch using one or more behavior characteristics of the touch where the determining the context includes determine the information being displayed on the display in the area under or proximate to the touch; map the touch, using the context and one or more of the primary behavior characteristics, to one of a plurality of functions provided by the user interface, and change the mapped function to a different one of the plurality of functions when a different characteristic associated with the touch indicates a level of confidence for a user operating the terminal that necessitates the different one of the plurality of functions; and implement the mapped function, and wherein implementing further includes processing different settings for the mapped function and the plurality of functions for determining when to ignore different touches as being accidental touches, and void a particular item presented within the display in response to implementing the mapped function when the touch position data indicates a particular movement that is in an upward or a downward direction over the area of the display where the information for the item is being displayed and is made in a right or left direction over the area and is released within the context of the particular item presented within the display and in response thereto the first function draws two horizontal lines through the information on the display indicating that the particular item has been voided, and displaying a descriptive name for the item, size and package information for item, an ingredient list for the item, warnings for the item, and calorie information for the item in response to implementing the mapped function when the touch position data identifies a selection of an item description field for the item, and move a window that displays the information for the item from an initial location to a different location when the touch position data is maintained within the window and custom moved to the different location of the display with a release of the touch position data at the different location, and scroll displayed items in an item touch area when the touch position data is made in the item touch area, maintains contact, and is moved upward or downward.
This invention relates to a touch-based user interface system for processing touch inputs on a display to perform various functions based on touch behavior characteristics. The system analyzes touch position data from a touch input device to determine behavior characteristics such as starting location, path traveled, length, direction, and velocity of movement. These characteristics are classified as primary or secondary to determine the context of the touch, including the displayed information under or near the touch. The system maps the touch to a specific function based on the context and primary behavior characteristics, dynamically adjusting the function if a different characteristic indicates a higher confidence level for user intent. Functions include voiding an item by drawing horizontal lines through its display, showing detailed item information (name, size, package details, ingredients, warnings, and calories), moving a window by dragging it to a new location, and scrolling items in a designated touch area. The system also processes settings to distinguish accidental touches and ignores them accordingly. The invention enhances touch-based interactions by intelligently interpreting touch gestures to perform context-aware actions.
Unknown
September 17, 2019
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